Themed exhibitions exploring the Great Migration and showcasing works by young fashion photographers and metal workers in Memphis are amond the noteworthy shows featuring Black artists that opened in museums this spring and summer. From Seattle to Cleveland, Atlanta, Boston, and London, many of these exhibitions remain open through September. Museums are presenting works by modern artists Romare Bearden and Bob Thompson; rising and mid-career figures, such as Deana Lawson, Remy Jungerman, and Isaac Julien; artists who draw on myth and science fiction; and Sam Gilliam (1933-2022), the beloved Washington, D.C., painter who died in June. A selection of 12 museum exhibitions to see now follows:
In the Black Fantastic @Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre, London, UK. | June 29 - Sept. 18, 2022
"In the Black Fantastic" presents works across painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installation that draw on "myth and speculative fiction as a way to explore the racialized everyday." Curated by Ekow Eshun, the exhibition features 11 artists: Nick Cave, Sedrick Chisom, Ellen Gallagher, Hew Locke, Wangechi Mutu, Rashaad Newsome, Chris Ofili, Tabita Rezaire, Cauleen Smith, Lina Iris Viktor and Kara Walker.